Committal Service
Edward J. Whittaker
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 following 10am Requiem Eucharist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Section 76 Lot 15 Grave 9)
Edward J. “Ted” Whittaker, 66, of North Kingstown, passed away on October 20, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Meredith N. (McClean) Whittaker for 40 years.
Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Tyler M. Whittaker of Providence and Todd C. Whittaker of Greenville, and a brother, Robert T. Whittaker and his wife Linda S. of Warwick. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Edward S. and Alice L. (Murray) Whittaker.
Ted was a 1964 graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School. He graduated summa cum laude from Rhode Island College in 1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in Labor Studies.
Mr. Whittaker was the senior chief mechanical investigator for the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training for over 20 years before retiring in April 2012.
Ted was a former president of the North Kingstown Democratic Town Committee. He served on the North Kingstown School Committee from 1990-1994 and on the North Kingstown Town Council from 2006-2008. While serving on the Town Council, Mr. Whittaker was instrumental in approval and construction of the Slocum Fire Station and North Kingstown Senior Center.
Ted was a member of the Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #4, The Rhode Island Shriners, and the Newport Elks Lodge #104. He was also an associate member of the North Kingstown FOP Lodge #33 and the 100 Club. Mr. Whittaker was a member and past president of Steamfitters Local 476. He was also a member of the Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Air Conditioning Local 51 for over 40 years, and a 20 year member of AFSCME Council 94.
Ted truly looked forward to the holiday season when he transformed into his role as Santa Claus. His yearly arrival on the North Kingstown fire truck with his elves brought joy to the children of our town. He also enjoyed playing Santa Claus for various events around the state. He especially enjoyed supporting Children’s Friend and Service and other charitable organizations by donating all proceeds from his role as Santa Claus.
In his spare time, Mr. Whittaker enjoyed golfing, gardening, skiing, and vacationing in New Hampshire. He also participated in the production of South Pacific with The North Kingstown Players.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Requiem Eucharist Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 10am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 55 Main Street, Wickford. Burial will follow in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, North Kingstown. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4-8pm at Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Children’s Friend and Service, 153 Summer Street, Providence, RI 02903 or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 would be appreciated.
